NYC cheap weekend April 29-May 1

There’s plenty to do free and cheap in NYC on weekends. Everything on the NYCOTC cheap weekend list is $20 or less. That makes us different from all the other “what to do” lists with expensive ideas. We’re here to help you enjoy being a NYC cheapskate with no apologies.

Unless a price is noted, what we are telling you about is FREE. Let’s hope the weather cooperates for the outdoor events.

any time of year

Ending soon

Intrude – Seven giant rabbit sculptures, including two that are two-stories tall, invade the glass atrium Winter Garden at Brookfield Place. The rabbits are made out of nylon, inflated, and illuminated from within. This playful FREE art installation is open noon to 9pm Monday through Saturday and noon to 7pm on Sundays, through April 30. The giant rabbits are in New York City as the first stop on a four-city tour. They hop to Houston, Los Angeles and Denver in May and June. Read more about the exhibiton the Arts Brookfield website.

Between Art and Fashion – Examine the forms, colors and shapes that influence our love of art and fashion, and the intersection between them, via pieces by top designers including Christian Dior, Issey Mayake and Hermes. FREE through Dec. 28 at the National Academy School on the Upper East Side. Museum website

Saturday and Sunday in NYC

Crafts on Columbus – Paintings, sculpture, mixed media, jewelry and more by top local artists, around the American Museum of Natural History. See this recent NYCOTC posting for full details

LIC Flea & Food – The popular outdoor weekend market is back for the season, open 11AM-6PM both days with favorite vendors returning and new vendors added. Grab a beer from the only All Queens Beer Garden and enjoy the Manhattan skyline. Located at 5-25 46th Avenue in Long Island City at the corner of 46th Avenue and 5th Street. LIC Flea & Foods website.

Smorgasburg – The popular food and crafts market in Brooklyn is back for the season, open 11am to 6pm both days. Note that Smogasburg has two locations:

Sunday in NYC

15th Annual Irish Dance Festival – This annual FREE outdoor celebration of Irish dance kicks off the Summer-on-the Hudson series with traditional dance from notable professional and student talent from around the region. Immerse yourself in Irish arts and culture with workshops, music sessions, language lessons, and dance classes. The day ends with a lively céilí set to live music. 1 pm – 7 pm at Riverside Park South, Pier I at W 68th Street

Grand Army Market – The team behind Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg is launching a new weekly market at Grand Army Plaza starting Sunday, May 1. Situated at the northern tip of Prospect Park (at the landmark arch/rotary), Grand Army Plaza has long been home to the weekly Saturday Greenmarket and is within walking distance to Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, Park Slope and Prospect Lefferts Gardens. Grand Army Market will run every Sunday, 10am to 5pm, though October, with some of the most popular maker vendors from Brooklyn Flea, plus many new additions, and prepared- and packaged-food vendors.

Fulton Stall Outdoor Market – This popular outdoor food market is back for the season with live music and tastings of local craft food and drinks. This family-friendly seasonal market has become a community institution throughout the spring and summer, connecting New Yorkers with fresh and healthy produce from within a 250-mile radius of New York City. Experience the Seaport District’s art installation, featuring portraits of over 100 farmers and chefs living and working in the Hudson Valley. South Street Seaport district at the corner of Fulton and Water Streets and inside Fulton Stall Market at 207A Front St., 11 AM – 5 PM

If you know about a free or cheap NYC weekend event you’d like to share with NYC on the Cheap, email us at [email protected]

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